Miami, FL – Jason Bay broke out of a 10-for-83 slump and delivered two hits, including a first-inning grand slam to help the New York Mets down the Miami Marlins, 5-1, and complete a three-game sweep.
The Mets, winners in seven of their last eight games, swept the Marlins for the second time this season.
Chris Young (4-7) started for the Mets and pitched five innings. He struck out three and allowed just one run on five hits.
Mark Buehrle (12-12) allowed five runs, all in the first inning. He shook off the rough start and pitched seven innings for the Marlins, giving up six hits while striking out three.
The Mets scored the first run of the day when David Wright's groundout brought home Ronny Cedeno, who led off the inning with a double before moving to third when Justin Turner followed with a two-bagger.
Bay came to bat with the bases loaded after Buehrle allowed a two-out walk to Ike Davis and then hit Kelly Shoppach. Bay drove a fastball into right-center field and cleared the bases with his seventh homer of the season.
Coming into the game, the Mets outfielder had been hitting .152 in 158 at- bats. Since being regulated to a platoon player on Aug. 8, Bay has seen limited action.
"I didn't think I'd hit a grand slam in my first at-bat in a week but it's definitely nice," said Bay. The outfielder showed appreciation for his teammates constant encouragement, who continue to show faith in him. "I've had nothing but support from every one of these guys in here every single day no matter what happens."
The Marlins only run came in the bottom of the fifth inning, when catcher Rob Brantly drew a leadoff walk. Buehrle then moved him over with a bunt and Justin Ruggiano drove him in two batters later with a two-out double.
Young was finished after five and the Mets bullpen finished the job, pitching four shutout innings.
The Marlins have lost eight of their last 10 games.
"If we get down early, it's tough to come back," said Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.
The Marlins will host the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday afternoon while the Mets will travel to St. Louis to face the Cardinals.
Game Notes
The Mets swept the Marlins on the road for the first time since May 25-27, 2007 ... Bay has hit six of his seven home runs on the road this season ... Stanton struck out three times Sunday, tying his career high with his fourth straight multiple strikeout game ... Buehrle had his three-game winning streak snapped.
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